GLA Revealed

[HotRodW]

Looks even more like a hatchback than the X1. As expected, the styling falls short of the concept's. No diesel for US. Details and full gallery at link.

http://www.edmunds.com/auto-shows/fr...auto-show.html

[Grovsnus]

No paddles, no mushroom, and no stick? How do you change gears on this thing?
And wasn't it supposed to have a dual clutch system?

[HotRodW]

Originally Posted by Grovsnus

No paddles, no mushroom, and no stick? How do you change gears on this thing?
And wasn't it supposed to have a dual clutch system?

The article said it does have a 7-speed dual clutch, and if you look closely I believe are shift paddles barely visible behind the spokes. The shifter itself is column-mounted.

[Lucky13]

The back/side view is a dead ringer for the new Mazda 3 hatchback. Definitely looks like a hatchback but the next X1 probably will also when it shares components with Mini. Our rear based X1 may be collector items the way BMW is going. New 335 got beat by a Lexis IS 350 on a Car and Driver test. Granted the BMW smoked it 0-60 and quarter mile but steering and handling are moving backwards at BMW.

[Blue Bottle]

nice on the outside, not keen on the inside at all

[Chris Pringle]

- A shifter stalk behind steering wheel. It looks passé but it is a smart way to add more space in the center console. Everyone is going with paddle shifters to add sportiness to cars anyway. I guess it's not a bad idea.

- The navigation system not being integrated looks like an afterthought. Is the idea behind it is that it detaches so it can be stowed away? Or maybe that dealerships can easily add one if the customer wants it?

- It looks like they're also incorporating some sort of i-Drive control in the center console in addition to regular buttons around the dashboard radio and a few more on the steering. They are really playing it safe. I guess that part of their demographics likes it the good old way. BTW, no CD player?

- Very nice interior finishings.

[taxpro]

It looks cool. Competition is good.

[pokerface]

it does look more like a tall GTI hatch-type than a CUV. I think I'm liking the interior more than the exterior.

[Grovsnus]

Originally Posted by pokerface

it does look more like a tall GTI hatch-type than a CUV. I think I'm liking the interior more than the exterior.

I'd say it looks more RS than grand touring, which I wouldn't consider a bad thing.
Anyhow, a worthy competitor, if the engine and drivability matches what we can glean from pictures.

[danielj]

Originally Posted by HotRodW

Looks like a Buick Encore. No thanks. Also, FWD platform. No thanks.

[Twix]

I quite like the interior, minus the keyboard in the center stack. As for a CD player, who HONESTLY uses CDs in this day in age? You can have so much more choice from your iPhone, iPod or whatever. Or just use Sirius.

Also, I agree about the man looking like an afterthought. But new BMWs are no different with the idrive screens

[bbg2d]

Agreed, I think that the dashboard seems poorly designed. I wonder if you can option out of that screen and huge keypad of a radio?

Also, what's with the low redline?

[nockenpaul]

The GLA is a bigger, slightly raised A-Class. It lacks the high SUV-like driving position. Even the X1 (which is relatively low for a SUV) has 5 or 6 cm more height.

GLA vs. Tiguan: http://www.automobile-magazine.fr/va...oto_leader.jpg

[zero-2-sixty]

Originally Posted by bbg2d

Agreed, I think that the dashboard seems poorly designed. I wonder if you can option out of that screen and huge keypad of a radio?

Also, what's with the low redline?

That low redline is probaly due to the fact that it is a diesel engine for European models. That dash with the keypad is horrendous and poorly thought out by MB's design team. Then again...it is an entry level lux crossover. There really is no comparison to the X1 as we are inherently more sporty due to rear and awd drive as well as hydraulic steering (except for rear drive model). Plus, a column shifter...No way that says sporty.

We will not be able to say that about next gen fwd X1. Especially with the fwd drive and electronic power steering that all the pro reviewers hate about new BMWs (i.e. vague, lack of feedback, etc.).

Our X1 might be the last of the truly great BMWs that was lauded for connecting the driver with the road.

[Teutonic]

Man, those air vents and that UGLY screen is a big No No for me.
Actually, the whole dashboard is just terrible!
The car can have 700 HP, I wouldn't buy that ugly thing.
Mercedes design is so poor lately that it hurts. Visine anyone?

[Grovsnus]

Originally Posted by Tracus

The car can have 700 HP, I wouldn't buy that ugly thing.

Try 155 hp (GLA 200) and 208 hp (GLA 250) for the petrol models.
Contrast with 242 hp (X1 28i) and 300 hp (X1 35i).

So for every two horses in the GLA, the "equivalent" X1 model will have three.
Neigh!

Apart from the huge amount of tiny buttons you have to stretch to reach (this can't possibly work well when going at speed) and a display that will vibrate and shake like a rear view mirror, I kind of like the looks.
I don't know why the small rear view window, though - it's like every car manufacturer (except Volvo and BMW) saw an Evoque and thought "oooh, let's copy that idea", but not daring to go far enough.
And the engine compartment lends a new definition to the word "crowded":

[skylineguv]

Originally Posted by Grovsnus

Try 155 hp (GLA 200) and 208 hp (GLA 250) for the petrol models.
Contrast with 242 hp (X1 28i) and 300 hp (X1 35i).

So for every two horses in the GLA, the "equivalent" X1 model will have three.
Neigh!

Right up until they put out the GLA45 of course, not that it will necessarily be a direct competitor price wise or even available in NA.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by skylineguv

Right up until they put out the GLA45 of course, not that it will necessarily be a direct competitor price wise or even available in NA.

Mercedes doesn't really play the 'you can't have that' game that BMW NA plays, at least when we get a particular model. I'd bet we get the GLA45 here. You can get an E63 wagon and could even get the R63 for the brief period they built them.

Anyone calling the GLA ugly may want to take a look in their own garage, the X1 isn't exactly a staggering monument to beauty.

[skylineguv]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Mercedes doesn't really play the 'you can't have that' game that BMW NA plays, at least when we get a particular model. I'd bet we get the GLA45 here. You can get an E63 wagon and could even get the R63 for the brief period they built them.

Better than BMW I'd say, but not immune to the market based product lines. C class and C63 wagon, CLS shooting brake etc? Honestly, if the next gen C63 AMG does turn out to have AWD, be available over here as a wagon and have the M177 motor, the temptation to throw a deposit at the dealer may be overwhelming

[Grovsnus]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Anyone calling the GLA ugly may want to take a look in their own garage, the X1 isn't exactly a staggering monument to beauty.

Are there any beautiful crossovers other than concept cars?

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Grovsnus

Are there any beautiful crossovers other than concept cars?

Beautiful may be a bit of a stretch, but I like Evoque quite a bit, aside from the rear view and the bizarre key in the fender trim. I just think that if you showed an X1 and a GLA to the average consumer, they'd assume they were the same car. Calling one ugly is calling both ugly.

[nospam]

+1

Evoque is still best looking of the bunch. I don't find CLA ugly but it does look like Mazda designed it.